Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday, with the Spain captain set for a period of recovery after a gruelling two seasons punctuated by injury setbacks.
Speaking at his first press conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola, Maresca revealed that the 30-year-old midfielder — who led Spain to World Cup glory last week, earning the Golden Ball as player of the tournament — requires an operation on a persistent back issue before taking a scheduled break.
"Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us," Maresca told reporters.
The Italian coach did not offer a specific timeline for Rodri's return, though the midfielder's lengthy injury history — including an anterior cruciate ligament rupture that sidelined him for almost the entire 2024-25 campaign — suggests City will proceed cautiously with his rehabilitation.
Rodri's back problem contributed to several spells on the sidelines during the 2025-26 season, limiting his availability even after his return from the ACL injury. Despite those interruptions, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was back to his commanding best at the World Cup, anchoring Spain's midfield en route to their second global title.
Maresca also dismissed speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid following reports that surfaced in the wake of Spain's World Cup triumph.
"Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that," Maresca said. "I think it is normal, also because they won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player."
Rodri's absence will be a significant blow for City as they prepare for the new Premier League season under a new manager. The club face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August, and Maresca confirmed he expects other returning players to be available three or four days before that fixture.
Sources
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c36dw0nwexxo
